The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), a body that conducts research on the conditions for peaceful relations between states, groups and people, has shortlisted President Maithripala Sirisena as one of the favourites for the Nobel Peace Prize 2017.

PRIO Former Director Kristian Berg Harpviken's has included the name of President Sirisena among four others whom he identifies as potential candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize.

While announcing the list, the PRIO said its Director's speculations did not confirm, nor endorse, any candidate, and were not in any manner based on privileged access to the decision-making of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. "Harpviken and PRIO have no form of association with the Nobel Institute or the Norwegian Nobel Committee," it further added.

However, Harpviken has also explains as to why he thinks the Sri Lankan President is a potential candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.

He says, "President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena has initiated a comprehensive set of reconciliatory initiatives to heal the wounds of the civil war which culminated in a military onslaught by the state military on the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) in 2009. Sirisena’s insistence on inclusive reconciliation therefore stands out as an example to be followed, especially in a situation where support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other transitional justice mechanisms is deteriorating. In early 2017, the Sri Lankan Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms released its final report . This goes hand in hand with a range of other efforts , including a consultative process on constitutional reform. Resistance from the political opposition is real, and so are the prospects for failure. The President himself is susceptible to criticism, having held posts with the former government that overran the LTTE. A Nobel Peace Prize to President Sirisena would fit a tradition of honouring pragmatic leaders who show political courage, and it would draw attention to reconciliation as a key to sustainable peace."